G8 to boost anti-terror cooperation - Russian interior minister

(RIA Novosti) - Industrialized nations are set to step up cooperation against global terrorism, Russia's interior minister said Friday.

Interior and justice ministers, as well as prosecutors, from Group of Eight countries met in Moscow Friday as part of Russia's 2006 presidency of the club of rich nations to discuss joint work and international challenges, reports Trend.

Rashid Nurgaliyev told a news conference, "All participants said our countries need an updated and more effective anti-crime and anti-terrorism strategy in today's conditions. And this means developing joint efforts, primarily, against terrorism."

He said the G8 would focus on measures to prevent terrorist attacks targeting strategic infrastructures, communications and transport.

"Condemning terrorism, we reiterated our resolve to boost G8 efforts to combat this threat to peace, security, law and order and approved a number of important documents, specifically on G8 principles of international cooperation against the instigation, sponsorship and development of terrorist attacks," Nurgaliyev said.

Methods to prevent terrorism on transport will include analysis of cargo and passenger information, he added.

The minister also said Moscow would host a global forum on anti-terrorism partnership between the state and the business community in November.

The leaders of Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Japan and Germany will meet for a summit in July in St. Petersburg.